Nissan studies European plan for Infiniti brand This is the car that Nissan expects to drive the launch of its Infiniti luxury division in the UK. The Infiniti M45 goes on sale in the US next year powered by a 340bhp 3.5-litre V8 or a 250bhp V6 with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Japanese carmaker is still finalising plans for the European launch of its luxury division, but UK dealers could see Infinitis within the next four years.

The strategy is part of the new development plan that will succeed the current Nissan 180 turnaround plan, which is due to be completed in April 2005.

While Nissan refuses to be drawn on whether the brand has been given the green light for Europe, an Infiniti network could follow lines established by Toyota and Lexus with separate branding.

The new M45 would compete with BMW 5-series, Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-class.